The Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC) is used for the collection and dissemination of geographically classified statistics. The ASGC has formed the foundation of the statistical geography used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) since 1984.

The ABS intends to replace the current ASGC with the new Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) through an implementation strategy commencing in 2011.

The ASGS will be based upon mesh blocks creating more stable and consistent units than the ASGC. It will be the new basis for the publication of the complete range of ABS spatial statistics. The ASGS will become the essential reference for understanding and interpreting the geographical context of ABS statistics. The ABS anticipates that it will be widely adopted outside the ABS to facilitate the cross comparison of spatial statistics.

This paper is the second of two information papers designed to explain the ASGS and the implications of the move away from the ASGC. It addresses the main concerns of stakeholders regarding the ASGS and summarises the strategy for its introduction.

Specific information is available on the current ASGC and the proposed ASGS respectively in the following ABS publications: Statistical Geography Volume 1 - Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC), July 2006 (cat. no. 1216.0) and The Review of the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (cat. no. 1216.0.55.001)

Any inquiries regarding the ASGS, or suggestions for its improvement, can be made by contacting the Director, Geography by e-mail at geography@abs.gov.au.

SUMMARY COMMENTARY

PURPOSE OF THIS PAPER

In August 2007, the ABS published the information paper The Review of the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (cat. no. 1216.0.55.001). The information paper proposed a new ASGS to replace the current ASGC and sought stakeholder feedback on the proposed statistical geography. While feedback has generally been positive, some concerns emerged.

This second information paper, Outcome From The Review Of The Australian Standard Geographical Classification (cat. no. 1216.0.55.002), advises stakeholders of the ABS' decision to adopt the ASGS as outlined in the earlier information paper (cat. no. 1216.0.55.001). This paper addresses stakeholder concerns, clarifies areas of misunderstanding and describes changes which will be made to the original proposal.

The design of the ASGS will commence in the second half of 2008 and will involve significant stakeholder consultation. The ASGS will become available in late 2010 and will be effective from 1 July 2011.

Unless otherwise noted, content on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Australia Licence together with any terms, conditions and exclusions as set out in the website Copyright notice. For permission to do anything beyond the scope of this licence and copyright terms contact us.